1. The Revenant 2015，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 883911, ID: 1663202 Photo by activehistory.ca, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Alejandro González Iñárritu’s ‘The Revenant’ captivates with its brutal beauty, detailing a man’s relentless quest for vengeance following a harrowing bear attack and betrayal. While Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance and the film’s breathtaking cinematography stand out, some critics feel its grim tone and heavy-handed narrative might overshadow its merits, making it seem overrated to some. Nonetheless, ‘The Revenant’ delivers an immersive and striking cinematic journey that is hard to forget.
2. The Artist 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 249494, ID: 1655442 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Michel Hazanavicius’ ‘The Artist’ serves as a charming tribute to the silent film era, showcasing delightful performances, especially by Jean Dujardin, along with its clever use of silence and music. However, the nostalgic charm it embodies has led some viewers to question its appeal, with opinions dividing on whether it’s genuinely captivating or overrated. Yet, ‘The Artist’ undeniably offers a refreshing and entertaining glimpse into the magic of early cinema that many still cherish.
3. The King’s Speech 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 711342, ID: 1504320 Photo by popkult.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Tom Hooper’s ‘The King’s Speech’ tells the inspiring story of King George VI’s struggle to overcome his stammer. Colin Firth’s performance is outstanding, and the film’s historical context is compelling, but some critics argue that its conventional storytelling and feel-good nature make it overrated. Nevertheless, ‘The King’s Speech’ is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant film.
4. American Sniper 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 534908, ID: 2179136 Photo by Waging Nonviolence, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper delves into the life of Chris Kyle, America’s deadliest sniper, presenting a polarizing narrative that has ignited fierce discussions. While Bradley Cooper’s portrayal is commendable, the film’s representation of the Iraq War and Kyle’s actions has drawn significant criticism for potentially glorifying warfare and oversimplifying complex realities, which contributes to its perception as overrated. Despite its technical strengths, the film’s one-dimensional narrative leaves many viewers wanting more depth and nuance.
5. Bohemian Rhapsody 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 600666, ID: 1727824 Photo by diggita.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Bohemian Rhapsody takes audiences on a journey through the life of Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of Queen, yet it has elicited mixed reactions from both audiences and critics. Rami Malek’s mesmerizing portrayal of Mercury shines, but the film’s historical liberties and superficial treatment of his sexuality have raised eyebrows, leading many to believe it doesn’t fully encapsulate his true spirit. Despite its commercial success, some consider it overrated for failing to capture the complete essence of Mercury and his legendary band.
6. Green Book 2018，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 585898, ID: 6966692 Photo by geekblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Green Book, directed by Peter Farrelly, tells the story of a black pianist and his white driver navigating the racially charged South. Despite winning the Best Picture Oscar, the film has been criticized for its simplistic and sanitized portrayal of racism. Many argue that it centers the white character’s redemption arc, overshadowing the black protagonist’s story. This controversy has led to its label as an overrated film.
7. The Greatest Showman 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 316231, ID: 1485796 Photo by newsfilter.gr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum, is a visually stunning musical that celebrates diversity and spectacle. However, its historical inaccuracies and glossing over of Barnum’s exploitative practices have led to criticism. While the film is entertaining and features memorable songs, its lack of depth and historical fidelity make it an overrated piece of cinema.
8. The Dark Knight Rises 2012，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1846380, ID: 1345836 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Dark Knight Rises, the final installment in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, is a film that has garnered both praise and criticism. While it boasts impressive performances and action sequences, some argue that it fails to live up to its predecessor, The Dark Knight. The film’s convoluted plot and pacing issues have led to its inclusion in the list of overrated movies.
9. Inception 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2579238, ID: 1375666 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception’ invites viewers into a complex world of dreams layered within dreams, yet its intricate plot often leaves many more puzzled than enchanted. While the film’s visual effects and innovative premise are praiseworthy, others contend that its convoluted story and lack of emotional resonance make it seem overrated to those seeking a more straightforward narrative. Regardless, ‘Inception’ continues to spark discussions about its merits and intricacies among film enthusiasts.
10. The Matrix 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 2076663, ID: 0133093 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Matrix is hailed for revolutionizing the sci-fi genre with its stunning special effects and thought-provoking inquiries into reality. Yet, the mixed reception of its sequels and the overuse of the iconic ‘bullet time’ effect have led some to perceive the original as overrated, despite its lasting impact. While the first film remains a classic, its influence appears somewhat diluted as time passes, leading to varied opinions on its legacy.
11. The Social Network 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 766357, ID: 1285016 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 David Fincher’s ‘The Social Network’ offers a gripping portrayal of Facebook’s creation and the ensuing legal battles. Despite its critical acclaim, some viewers find its depiction of Mark Zuckerberg as a socially awkward genius to be overly dramatized. The film’s fast-paced dialogue and sharp editing are highlights, but its portrayal of real events has sparked controversy.
12. The Grand Budapest Hotel 2014，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 895568, ID: 2278388 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Wes Anderson’s ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ is a visual feast with its whimsical style and intricate storytelling. However, its quirky humor and stylized approach may not appeal to everyone, leading some to consider it overrated. While the film’s charm and craftsmanship are undeniable, its niche appeal limits its broader impact.
13. The Big Lebowski 1998，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 867380, ID: 0118715 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Coen brothers’ ‘The Big Lebowski’ has achieved cult status with its eccentric characters and offbeat humor. Yet, its meandering plot and unconventional style have led some to label it as overrated. Despite its devoted fanbase, the film’s appeal may be lost on those who prefer more traditional narratives.
14. The Sixth Sense 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1062532, ID: 0167404 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Sixth Sense’ is often hailed for its twist ending and atmospheric tension, but some argue it is overrated due to its slow pacing and reliance on a single plot twist. Despite its acclaim, the film’s impact diminishes upon repeat viewings, as the initial shock value wears off. However, the performances by Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment remain commendable, and the film’s exploration of grief and communication with the supernatural is intriguing.
15. The Departed 2006，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1436620, ID: 0407887 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Departed’ grips viewers with a stellar ensemble cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, creating a thrilling crime saga. Although it received widespread acclaim, including the Oscar for Best Picture, some argue that its predictable plot and excessive violence contribute to its overrated status. Nevertheless, the film’s exploration of themes like loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity crafts a compelling narrative that keeps audiences engaged.
15 Controversial Films That Shook Audiences – Have You Watched Them All?
